More Join Search For Missing Hunter

The search for missing Washington resident Robert Heichel continues in a remote area of Montrose County. Heichel was last seen Thursday in Nucla as he picked up supplies for his remote hunting camp, but wasn't reported missing until Sunday.

Today teams from Mesa County, San Miguel County, Montrose County and Grand County, Utah are combing the remote area between Nucla and Montrose for the missing man.

Yesterday resources were limited as only 15 people were able to look for Heichel, but today 35 people are on the search-and more are on the way as friends and family of the man arrive after a long drive from Washington State.

Two helicopters are being used to slowly search the extremely rugged area which is carved with canyons and heavily treed. To complicate matters, Heichel is wearing camouflaged clothing that closely matches the terrain, and the search has also been hindered by the fact that he was gone for several days before being reported as missing. Rainy conditions at that time helped mask Heichel's tracks.

Lieutenant Shawn Cline with the Montrose County Sheriff's Office also believes Heichel may have abandoned his original plans, and could have ended up far from his camp.

Despite having little to go on searchers say they will continue their efforts for several more days, though predicted rains and possible snow could temporarily put a stop to the search.

Heichle is an experienced hunter who has apparently been to the remote area before.

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